Full moons carry with them enchanting and captivating folklore that have traversed human mythology and transcended cultures.
While some have a loose basis in reality, others are purely fictitious fun.
You can't talk about full moon lore without talking about werewolves.
The classic tale centres on a mythological animal awakening as they transform at the full moon in search of prey. It's unclear where exactly the werewolf myth came from. Sources suggest the myth has origins as far back as ancient Greek mythology with the Legend of Lycaon.
A History.com article even suggests there are connections to Nordic folklore and to serial killers in the 1500s.
Influence on childbirthThe idea more babies are born during a full moon is another myth.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found no connection between the lunar cycle and childbirth after looking at birth rates. It appears this is another case where anecdote has been taken mistaken as fact.
Kids behaviourAsk parents about their kids and full moons. They might tell you the full moon makes their kids wild. What science says on the matter might disappoint, if you're a believer.
Many cultures around the world timed their planting and harvesting with the full moon as they thought the tides, which are high when the moon is closest to the Earth, could have an impact on crop growth.
The light of the full moon had been a signal it’s time to plant, harvest or do other activities in the garden. The belief doesn't have a basis in science.
FairiesA fairy is a type of mythical being found in the folklore of many European cultures including Celtic, Slavic, Germanic and French. There was a belief fairies were particularly active under a full moon.
Mental health and the moonThe problematic and discriminatory term “lunatic” stems from the widely held false belief there was a connection between the moon and mental health.
The words “lunacy” and “lunatic” come from the Roman goddess of the moon, Luna, according an article published on History.com.
“For thousands of years, doctors and mental health professionals believed in a strong connection between mania and the moon,” the article reads.
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